“Good Job!”

Together, at the same time, Dan Gaudet and Sue Lepki, uttered the words that said it all to sum up the feelings each had about the excellent efforts that went into the organization of the 2001 version of the Annual Capreol Days.

Gaudet, Chair of the Capreol Days Committee, and Sue Lepki, Secretary/Treasure of the Committee, spearheaded the volunteer organizations which took part in the very successful four days of fun and entertainment on the weekend of August 3 to August 6. Lepki, who was acting in a volunteer capacity on the committee, is also the Program Coordinator of the Capreol Millennium Resource Centre and does a great deal of work with the youth centre.

“Community,” was Sue’s answer when asked what she felt Capreol Days was all about. “This is a four day period when everyone here feels a real sense of community. A lot of people who have left town say that Capreol Days gives them a reason to return to their roots for a weekend. They look forward to coming back and staying in touch with the places that hold so many fond memories of when they were growing up. That is why we try to hold events at as many different places as we can.”

Long-time residents appreciate the efforts of the volunteers since it permits their children to come back for a visit  at least once a year to spend a bit of quality time back home.

“We try to hold events at a variety of venues to get the entire community involved,” stated Gaudet. “The time capsule at Cenotaph Park was a fitting way to kick everything off on Friday night. That got things rolling for the baseball tournament and the Much Music Dance at the arena.”

“Everything was well attended,” Lepki commented. “When you organize something like this you never know how well it will be supported, but each event was absolutely packed. Even the Sk8board competition filled the arena with people packed in all around the arena watching the 40 competitors.”

“We always hold the final day of the weekend at Ella Lake, and this year it was absolutely fantastic,” stated Gaudet. “There were so many people there and they just loved all of the demonstrations, games, contests and best of all, the food. The canine units were phenomenal! Plus, with the temperature so hot, the water was a popular spot. Just seeing everybody enjoying themselves on the beach made all of the planning worthwhile.”

Gaudet, who has been actively involved in the organization of Capreol Days for many years, stated that this, his first as Chair of the Committee, gave him, “A whole lot of respect for Tulio Ricci.” Ricci was a former Chair who was instrumental in building up the popularity of the event and bringing some incredible festivals to the town.  The 75^th Anniversary Celebrations turned Capreol Days into “Old Home Week” and it appears as if subsequent  festivals have been unofficially dubbed the same.

Sue Lepki recalls that for several years interest waned and Capreol Days actually was cancelled. However, three years ago it was resurrected with a mini-Capreol Days at the Arena and the past two years has risen to the full scope of the past.